Logitech diNovo Edge

Logitech has released quite a few “revolutionary” products this year, and plan to finish 2006 off with their diNovo Edge keyboard. They claim it’s the most technologically advanced keyboard available and is probably one of the most expensive. Is it worth your time and money?

Introduction

2007 is right around the corner and looking back at 2006, Logitech had quite an eventful year. Besides the fact that they celebrated their 25th birthday this past October, they unveiled a “revolutionary” new mouse and other impressive peripherals. The MX Revolution would have to be my personal favorite Logitech product ever. Shortly after that release, they announced an equally revolutionary keyboard, the diNovo Edge.

Their diNovo keyboards all share a similar goal; To be the best media PC keyboard possible. That’s to say, it’s not the ideal choice for an everyday PC and certainly not one for gaming. Their previous models have received many awards, which is thanks to the fact that they conduct a lot of personal research and then apply their findings to the next product. The Edge is not a simple update to their series though. There are many aspects of the keyboard that have been upgraded, and contains technology not found on any other Logitech model.

Closer Look

Looking through the reviewer materials for the Edge, Logitech provides many statistics gathered from their own research. One point of interest is that they found over 60% of computer users enjoy having the latest and greatest in keyboard technology. In addition, the same amount want a keyboard that’s ergonomic and comfortable to use. I am not going to disagree here; I consider myself to be within that 60%. Who enjoys an uncomfortable keyboard anyway? Thanks to these figures, Logitech knows what to strive for and hope to accomplish all that and more with the Edge.

Before receiving the Edge, I was unsure what to expect. Sure, it looked great, but how user friendly would it prove to be? It became quite clear after taking it out of the box that this is an elegant piece of peripheral that should prove eye pleasing to anyone who gawks at it. It’s designed mostly for media PC’s as I mentioned and even rids the need for a mouse if you wanted. Before I “touch” on all of this, lets take a look at the unveiling of this sexy beast.

The Edge came to me in it’s retail packaging, a box that’s far larger than the keyboard itself. This is not a cheap keyboard, so perhaps a large box gives the impression that it is expensive?

In the spirit of elegance, the box opens just like a box of fine chocolates. The keyboard is not wrapped in a plastic or cloth bag like most are. It’s obvious that they want the product as a whole to scream quality and class. Such a bag would dampen that effect. The keyboard does however have a thin plastic film covering the entire plexiglas surface area. It came off without an issue, leaving no residue behind.

You can see the Edge alongside my MX518. It’s a slim board in all respects. Notice that the Edge does not have a matte finish… it’s very glossy. That’s thanks to the fact that it’s made with plexiglas acrylic. I personally love the look that such materials provide, but it results in a product that doubles as a ultra-powered dust magnet.

I mentioned earlier that you can use this keyboard without a mouse if you desired. That’s due to this circle touchpad. Although it looks like a wheel, there are no movable parts underneath whatsoever. It acts like the touchpad on your notebook computer. The two buttons below act as a left and right mouse click. You can also click them both at the same time for a function that you can set in the SetPoint software.

You may notice the vertical and horizontal lines on the pad. These act as a scroll wheel control. You can touch the vertical line for example while surfing a webpage, and rub your finger downward to soar through the page. It proves more functional than just this and should be quite beneficial for image viewing and spreadsheet crunching.

Rob Williams

Rob founded Techgage in 2005 to be an 'Advocate of the consumer', focusing on fair reviews and keeping people apprised of news in the tech world. Catering to both enthusiasts and businesses alike; from desktop gaming to professional workstations, and all the supporting software.